How to Set Up Digital Menu Board on TV: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (original) (raw)
Setting up digital menu boards on TV helps replace printed signs in cafes, restaurants, and food trucks. According to Grand View Research, the global digital signage market was valued at $26.76 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2030.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up digital menu board on TV, from picking the right screen to uploading menus and scheduling updates. We’ll also show you how AIScreen makes the process simple, remote-friendly, and fast.
Using a TV for digital menu board presents a restaurant’s menu on a television screen instead of using traditional printed signs or chalkboards.
These modern digital displays showcase menu items, prices, daily specials, and promotions in a visually appealing format that can attract and inform customers in real time. TV digital menu boards are powered by digital signage software, allowing restaurants to customize and update content remotely, whether changing prices, adding new items, or promoting limited-time offers.
According to Precedence Research, the digital signage market is expected to reach $54.69 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.41% from 2026 to 2034.
With just a few clicks, restaurant owners can ensure their menu stays current across one or multiple locations. This dynamic and interactive solution enhances the dining experience and improves operational efficiency by reducing the need for manual menu updates.
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How does a digital menu board work on TV? It starts with turning an ordinary TV into a brilliant display for showcasing menu items. A digital menu board on TV operates through three key components: a TV screen, a media player, and digital signage software.
The TV serves as the visual display, while the media player, a small device connected via HDMI or built into smart TVs, powers the content.
This player communicates with a content management system (CMS), the software hub that allows restaurant owners to create, manage, and schedule digital content.
According to a study by the National Restaurant Association, 62% of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant that uses digital signage, highlighting the importance of adopting such technologies to enhance customer experience.
With a CMS, businesses can:
- Update menu items and pricing in real-time
- Schedule promotions or seasonal offers
- Display high-resolution images and videos
- Sync content across multiple screens or locations
This setup enables restaurants to instantly reflect changes across all TV menu boards without manually updating each screen. Whether you run a single cafe or a franchise with multiple branches, a digital TV menu board ensures your menu stays accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.
Setting up a digital menu board on a TV in 7 steps is easier than ever. You can transform any screen into an engaging, updatable digital menu with the right tools and planning.
According to Verified Market Reports, the global digital menu boards market is expected to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2024 to USD 3.5 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 12.5%, clearly reflecting the rising adoption of this solution
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Choose the Right Screen
Choosing the right TV is crucial. Consumer-grade TVs are ideal for smaller setups, while commercial displays offer enhanced durability for 24/7 usage.
Recommended Option: TCL – Class S5-Series 4K UHD HDR LED Smart Google
- Resolution: 4K Ultra-HD
- Color & Audio: Dynamic Color Enhancement, Dolby Audio, Micro Dimming
- Smart Features: Google Assistant, Android TV, Chromecast
- Design: Narrow bezel, ultra-slim
- Usage: 10/7 daily operation
- Price Range: 179.99–179.99 – 179.99–749.99
This model delivers vibrant visuals and smart control at a budget-friendly price.
Step 2: Mount the Screen
Secure mounting the screen ensures optimal visibility.
Follow these tips to hang your digital menu displays properly:
- Use high-quality wall brackets designed to support the weight of your screen.
- Position the screen at eye level for easy viewing. Adjust it based on whether you’re using portrait or landscape orientation.
- Check the wall’s strength to hold the mounted TV safely.
- Use a spirit level to make sure the screen is perfectly straight.
- Leave enough space around the TV for power cables and connections for your media player.
Following these steps for how to mount a digital hanging menu board securely ensures a professional, safe, and effective installation for your digital menu displays.
Step 3: Connect a Media Player (if your TV is not Smart)
Connect a media player (if your TV is not smart) like a Raspberry Pi, Fire TV Stick, or Android TV Box if your TV lacks built-in smart features.
Recommended Option: Raspberry Pi OS Device
- Specs: Six-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage
- Performance: 4K-ready, supports multi-screen
- Features: Plug-and-play, auto on/off
- Price: Starting at $128
Ideal for small businesses wanting flexibility without high costs.
Step 4: Install and set up digital menu board software
Install and set up digital menu board software to control your menu content. AIScreen is a cloud-based platform built for businesses of all sizes.
- Install the app from the Play Store.
- Drag-and-drop editor for easy design
- Schedule-based content management
- 14-day free trial
- Starts at just $10/month
Create an account in menu management app to access and manage your menu remotely:
- Visit the AIScreen website
- Click “Sign Up.”
- Enter your login details
- Access the dashboard to begin customizing your menu content
Step 6: Pair Your Screen with the Software
- Go to the “Screens” tab in the AIScreen dashboard
- Click “Add Screen.”
- Enter the 4-digit pairing code shown on your TV
- Name your screen and choose the orientation
- Save and confirm pairing
Upload or Customize design templates for digital menu boards, upload your own content, or use pre-designed templates for fast, professional results.
Features:
- Upload Content: Images, videos, product descriptions.
- Template Customization:
- Instant updates to pricing or items
- Drag-and-drop builder for easy design
- 1,500+ food-industry templates
- Instant Preview: See it live before publishing
These tools ensure that your menu reflects your brand identity and promotions in real-time.
Step 8: Set Up the Display Schedule and Launch the Menu
Set up the display schedule and launch the menu
- Dayparting: Set different menus for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Promotions: Launch seasonal items or happy hour automatically
- Sync Screens: Keep all locations consistent with a single update
- Targeting: Show menus based on traffic patterns or time
Final Step: Hit “Publish” to go live! Test your display and confirm everything runs smoothly.
Ready to talk about your Digital Signage Project?
1500+ ready-to-use templates
70+ built-in integration
Offline playback
Split screen to zones
We’ll give you a call back within 24h!
Setting up a digital menu board on a TV is a smart and modern way to display your restaurant’s menu, boost engagement, and facilitate updates. With the right screen, a media player (if needed), and powerful software like AIScreen, you can go live in minutes; no technical skills are required.
AIScreen is a leading provider of digital menu board solutions. It offers a user-friendly interface, powerful customization tools, and a wide range of ready-to-use templates.
Whether you run a single cafe or manage multiple locations, AIScreen makes it easy to keep your menus fresh, dynamic, and aligned with your brand.
Start your free trial today and transform your TV into a stunning digital menu display with AIScreen! Contact us for more details.
Ready to talk about your Digital Signage Project?
1500+ ready-to-use templates
70+ built-in integration
Offline playback
Split screen to zones
We’ll give you a call back within 24h!
FAQs
Can I use my existing TV as a digital menu board?
Yes, you can use your existing TV as a digital menu board by connecting it to a media player or installing compatible digital signage software if it’s a smart TV.
How do I update the content on my digital menu board?
You can update the content on digital menu board through a digital signage content management system (CMS), allowing you to change menu items, pricing, and promotions remotely.
Do I need a dedicated media player for my digital menu board?
You’ll need a dedicated media player if your Tv is not smart, such as a Fire Stick, Android Box, or Raspberry Pi, to enable digital signage features.
Can I use digital menu boards in outdoor settings?
Yes, you can use digital menu boards in outdoor settings but you’ll need a weatherproof, high-brightness display designed for outdoor use to ensure readability and durability in various weather conditions.
How often should I update my digital menu board content?
You should update your digital menu display’s content regularly, weekly, or monthly, to reflect new items, seasonal promotions, or pricing changes, and keep the display fresh and engaging.